The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe You’ll Love

Are you in love with the rich, fragrant flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala but are short on time? Not to worry! This easy slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe is full of fabulous flavor with little effort. Imagine tender chicken pieces slowly simmered in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce right in your slow cooker. I will show you how to make this restaurant-quality chicken dish in the comfort of your home! Even if you are an expert cook or an amateur in the kitchen, this easy Chicken Tikka Masala will become a favorite recipe for your family. They’ll be blessed with the comforting smell of homemade chicken tikka masala instead of takeout!

Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala?

In a fast-paced world, convenience matters. This is where the crockpot chicken tikka masala comes into play. The difference between a crockpot and traditional recipes is the attention needed. A slow cooker does all the work for you. Here are three solid reasons this method should excite you:

• Simple Cooking: Just throw the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work. This easy chicken tikka masala recipe takes very little of your time, giving you time for other things!

• Tender Chicken: Low and slow cooking will give you incredibly tender and juicy chicken that is practically falling off the bone! It’s truly melt-in-your-mouth chicken that makes the recipe even better.

• Deep and Rich Flavors: Using a slow cooker allows for the flavors and sauce to deepen and combine over time. You’ll have hence a richer flavor and more fragrant sauce compared to cooking on the stovetop. You will be amazed at how much of a difference flavor depth makes when working with tender chicken tikka masala.

How to make slow cooker Chicken tikka masala recipe?

chicken tikka masala ingredients

For the chicken marinade

Chicken: This is the actual protein! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well. Chicken thighs hold up better than breast and stay moist while cooking low and slow for long periods.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds a nice tang to the recipe. You can use low-fat or regular yogurt.

Ginger and garlic paste: Fresh ginger and garlic pinch and make a nice aromatic base for the marinade. You can use a ( in a pinch) store-bought ginger and garlic paste, however, check to make sure they are free of preservatives.

Lemon juice: Adds brightness to the overall flavor and helps tenderize the chicken even more.

Spices: A mix of spices is crucial to have an authentic homemade chicken tikka masala flavor. You will need turmeric powder, red chili powder (more or less as desired), cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• Garlic and Ginger: Extra fresh garlic and ginger give an additional aromatic flavor to the sauce

• Onion: Chopped onions create the foundation of the sauce and lend additional sweetness and flavor depth.

• Tomato Sauce: Provide a deep tomato taste base flavor of the sauce. You can use tomato puree, or crushed tomatoes as well.

•  Tomatoes: Adds texture and a touch of sweetness to the sauce.

• Coconut milk or heavy cream: Adds that creamy richness that makes a creamy chicken curry. Coconut milk is dairy-free.

• Spices: Use the same spices that you used in the marinade that add flavor (turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala).

• Sugar: Add just a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

• Butter or oil: For sautéing the onions and spices at the beginning (optional, but transforms the flavor).

• Fresh cilantro: For garnish, add a fresh and bright bite.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Making Your Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

 Follow these simple steps to create your delicious slow-cooker chicken tikka masala:

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala.

Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for a more intense flavor.

2. Prepare the Sauce Base (Optional but Recommended):

In a skillet or large pan over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil.

Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the marinated chicken to the slow cooker.

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.

If you sautéed the onion and spices, add this mixture to the slow cooker as well.

Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.

5. Finish the Sauce:

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and the remaining garam masala.

Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or garam masala to your preference.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your slow cooker chicken tikka masala with freshly chopped cilantro.

Suggestions for serving this lovely chicken tikka masala

• Rice: Fluffly basmati rice is the traditional sidekick to chicken tikka masala. 

• Naan Bread: Soft, warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the crazy delicious sauce

• Roti: Another Indian flatbread option. 

• Raita: This is a cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint, a refreshing balance of the richness of the curry. 

• Salad: A simple green salad to serve with a light dressing to brighten up the meal.  

• Pickles and Chutneys: Indian pickles and chutneys add flavor and spice to a meal.

Easy Homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Course: Dinner, Main course, UncategorizedCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

4

hours 

Calories

450

kcal

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of homemade Chicken Tikka Masala effortlessly with this easy slow cooker recipe. Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• For the Tikka Masala Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 inch ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours.
  
• Sauté Aromatics (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder; cook for 30 seconds.
  
• Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. If you sautéed the onion mixture, add it to the slow cooker as well.
  
• Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
  
• Finish the Sauce: Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and the remaining 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Add sugar (if using) and salt to taste.
  
• Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and cook until thickened.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
  

Notes

• For extra flavor, quickly sear the marinated chicken in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your spice preference.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor and more tender result.
  Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas during the last hour of cooking.
• For a dairy-free option, ensure you use coconut milk.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

• Calories: 400-550

• Protein: 30-45g

• Fat: 20-35g

• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

This slow cooker chicken tikka masala recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a truly flavorful and satisfying meal. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes this a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to experience the magic of homemade chicken tikka masala – your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy this easy chicken tikka masala with your loved ones and savor the taste of India in every bite. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and tag us in your photos! Happy cooking!